TORONTO, ON (March 17, 2015) – Gangsters, flappers, pearls and feathers will fill Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel ballroom (100 Front St. West) on Saturday, April 18, 2015 to celebratethe 20th annual Gala for the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, hosted by Canadian television personality Rick Campanelli. The fundraising Gala, presented by Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Canada, is one of the foundation’s largest fundraising initiatives in support of its in and out-of-hospital programming for seriously ill children across Canada.

Guests of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ event can look forward to a memorable and moving evening filled with 1920’s glamour and lavish entertainment. The luxe decor will be complemented with crystal chandeliers, stringed pearls, themed walking tables, gangsters and flapper girls, a jailhouse photo booth, along with a performance by Belluscious. The evening will be followed by a ‘speak easy’ themed after party, complete with specialized cocktails and billiards.

“While the event is a themed gala, the true camaraderie and spirit of the evening comes out when our past and present Starlight children speak about what Starlight has done for them and means to them,” says Starlight executive director Brian Bringolf. “There is truly not a dry eye in the house and our supporters understand very clearly in that moment why they have chosen to support Starlight.”

Starlight Canada is pleased to welcome an extensive group of sponsors in support of its 20th annual Gala. Supporters include: Presenting Sponsor, Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us Canada; Diamond Sponsor, Great Blue Heron Charity Casino; Gold Sponsors, Bloom Lanys Professional Corporation and Delmar; and Silver Sponsors, Corus/YTV, Dorel, Energizer/Platex, and Mattel.

“At Toys“R”Us, our charitable giving revolves around keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need,” said Kevin Macnab, President, Toys“R”Us, Canada. “That’s why we are so proud to be longstanding partners with the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada and share a common goal of brightening the lives of seriously ill children when they need a reason to smile.”

The partnership between Starlight Children’s Foundation and Toys”R”Us has flourished over the past 17 years, raising over $12 million dollars through a number of fundraising initiatives including their annual Star Campaign (in which customers are able to donate to Starlight at the Toys“R”Us or Babies”R”Us cash register) and the sale of Starlight bear Hiya (a stuffed bear designed by two seriously ill Starlight brothers). In addition, Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us Canada opened up their doors late last year in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver to donate three-minute all-you-can-grab shopping sprees to eight seriously ill Starlight children.

Since its inception in 1995, the Starlight Gala has raised over $5,500,000 dollars, making it one of the foundation’s largest sources for fundraising. Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased online by visiting http://www.starlightcanadagala.org.

Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.

The Great Blue Heron Charity Casino, located in scenic Port Perry Ontario, first opened its doors in 1997 and has steadily developed into one of Ontario’s premier casino destinations. With 550 exciting slots, 60 thrilling table games and award winning dining, the Great Blue Heron Casino is the closest casino to Toronto. The project is operated by a partnership consisting of Casinos Austria International, the Steiner Group and Sonco Gaming Inc. on behalf of the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation and OLG.